Thomas Winn (1812-1889) South Border

Thomas Winn was also known as Captain William Lloyd and his friends called him “Pop Lloyd”. He was born in 1812 on a British brig on the high seas. He followed the seas for many years, having been, it is said, a pirate in the South Seas and a convicted murderer in Australia. He was the captain of his own vessel.  He lived a rough life, and when he got older, he was left ragged and penniless. Rum was his ruin. He ended up in New York in the 1880’s. After living a desperate life on the streets of New York, Thomas visited a  missionary meeting and at the end of the speech, he presented himself  to  Mrs. Sarah Sherwood and asked if there was salvation for the wickedest man in New York. They prayed with him and gave him shelter that night. With the help of missionary Mrs. Hadlley, he became a fixture and a favorite of the mission. He became ill and passed away at Bellevue Hospital. Reverend Stephen Merritt said at his wake, “I spent the night after General Grant’s death with his remains, walking back and forth and looking now and then upon the face of the dead chieftain who had received all of the honors earth could bestow. Today I look upon the face of him who lies here silent in death, and I say, “The Master knows no difference between the two. He recognizes alike the rich and the poor, the chieftain and the beggar.” Mourners from all wakes of life attended the viewing, some of the toughest specimens of men sobbed as they passed his casket.